Wegovy vs. Zepbound: What’s the Best Weight Loss Drug for You?

Published: 2025-05-05

Updated: 2025-05-06

4 mins

If you’re someone looking to lose weight fast, you may be considering GLP-1s. You may have seen a TV commercial advertising the weight loss medications Wegovy and Zepbound. Both FDA-approved GLP-1 medications have increased in popularity for their effectiveness. While both medications produce similar results, they do have some slight differences in how they promote weight loss. 

Every experience with GLP-1s is different, but one medication may work better for you than another based on your weight loss goals and other key factors a healthcare provider considers before prescribing one or the other.

How Does Wegovy Work?

The main ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic is semaglutide. Semaglutide injections initially gained popularity as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, health experts noticed its positive effects on weight loss as well. Wegovy is one of the first FDA-approved weight loss medications.

Semaglutide mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls appetite, helping to slow digestion and decrease appetite. It can help increase satiety (a feeling of fullness) and potentially reduce calorie intake.

How Does Zepbound Work?

Tirzepatide is the main ingredient in Zepbound and other popular weight loss medications like Mounjaro. Zepbound is a weekly injection medication that may also help with sleep apnea symptoms.

Unlike semaglutide, Zepbound activates more than one hormone in the brain. Zepbound (tirzepatide) activates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 to help regulate appetite.

Is Wegovy More Effective than Zepbound?

Whether Wegovy or Zepbound is more effective depends on how each individual responds to the active ingredients in the respective medications. Still, some health experts have found that you may be able to lose more weight with Zepbound. 

One study found that participants lost an average of 20% of their body weight with Zepbound and an average of 13% with Wegovy. However, health experts are still conducting more research to determine which medication may be the most effective.

Your best bet for maintaining results from weight loss medication is making lifestyle changes while on your weight loss journey. Health experts recommend following a well-balanced diet and engaging in an adequate amount of physical activity to maintain weight loss results. 

What are the Side Effects of Wegovy and Zepbound?

As with any medication, you may experience mild to severe side effects while taking weight loss medications. However, not everyone will experience side effects while taking weight loss medications.

Wegovy side effects

Semaglutide can help reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke in those who are overweight or have obesity. Still, you may experience the following side effects while on Wegovy:

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Heartburn

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Burping

Some people may experience severe side effects like vision changes, confusion, dizziness, and skin rashes. While severe side effects are rare, health experts suggest seeking emergency medical attention if you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned.

Zepbound side effects

You may experience the following side effects while taking Zepbound:

• Swelling

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Dehydration

• Vomiting

• Low blood sugar 

• Heartburn

Some may experience severe side effects like vision changes, kidney complications, or gallbladder issues while on Zepbound. Be sure to reach out to a licensed healthcare provider if you notice any severe symptoms or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Which Weight Loss Medication is More Affordable?

Both Wegovy and Zepbound have various price points based on which pharmacy you pick up your medication and whether you use single-use vials or weekly injections. While Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved, not all health insurance plans may cover GLP-1 medications. However, there are online discounts available to help manage the cost of weight loss medication.

Which Medication is Better for You?

Semaglutide may work best for the following:

• Older adults with high blood sugar

• Older adults with cardiovascular health complications

• Elderly people with type 2 diabetes

• Those who want to be able to adjust dosages easily

Tirzepatide may work better for the following scenarios:

• Those with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)

• Severely overweight or obese individuals

• People who don’t respond well to other GLP-1 medications

Be sure to speak with a licensed healthcare provider about which medication may be better for you. Both medications have been shown to be effective in weight loss. Several factors including insurance coverage, side effects, and preexisting health conditions may affect which medication a healthcare professional prescribes to you. 

If one medication is not as effective for you, you can always discuss options for a different weight loss medication with your healthcare provider. When switching, a healthcare provider may alter your dosage as well.

How Can Rex MD Help?

There’s no way to predict how well weight loss medications may work for you. However, Rex MD can help guide you on your weight loss journey with access to FDA-approved weight loss treatment.

The Rex MD Weight Management Program is a cutting-edge, online healthcare service designed to provide qualifying patients with access to brand-name GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound.

All it takes is answering a few questions about your medical history, weight loss goals, and more to help your healthcare provider determine if GLP-1 treatment is right for you. If you qualify, a healthcare provider can set you up with a personalized weight loss treatment plan and medications can be shipped directly to your door.

Get started today.